Competition: Win tickets to a film at BFI’s Ingmar Bergman season

In the final part of our centennial celebration of Ingmar Bergman, we turn to his various portraits of the artist. Bergman’s films were unusually personal; most were to some degree inspired by his own thoughts, emotions, anxieties and experiences. He preferred to depict milieux he knew; even the films set in the past speak of his own concerns. It’s unsurprising, then, that artists and entertainers – creators, interpreters, performers of one sort or another – abound in his work. So here are movies which, like Persona, reflect on the artist’s role, function and place in society, examining the doubts and demons, misunderstandings and criticisms, blockages and burdens faced by those striving to live a creative life. Profoundly aware that his work in film, television and theatre was a form of illusionism, Bergman never romanticised the creative process, but constantly asked questions as to its purpose and worth – with insightful, exhilarating, often provocative results.

Choose from films such as The Hour of the Wolf, starring Max von Sydow to the baroque portrait
of a circus owner Sawdust and Tinsel, as well as talks and discussions with special guests.

To win a pair of tickets to a film in Part 2 of the BFI’s Ingmar Bergman season, go to www.thestage.co.uk/competitions and enter your details and put BERGMAN in the code box. Entries close at midnight on February 21.

Terms and conditions: Subject to availability. Non-transferable. Travel to venue not included.

The Stage is a British weekly newspaper and website covering the entertainment industry, and particularly theatre. It was founded in 1880. It contains news, reviews, opinion, features, and recruitment advertising.